ETHIOPIA: Church Hopeful as Conflict Parties Meet for Peace Talks in South Africa
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
After two years of conflict between Ethiopian government and Tigray forces that has led to loss of thousands of civilians with many people displaced, representatives of the two parties have for the first time met in Pretoria, South Africa for formal peace talks, a gesture that has given hope to Ethiopian citizens.
The peace talks aimed to mediate on the challenges facing the second most populous country in Africa and to come up with sustainable solution to the conflict commenced on Tuesday, October 25 and will run till Sunday, October 30th.
The talks are being mediated by an African Union team, led by Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo, supported by Kenya’s former leader Uhuru Kenyatta and South Africa’s ex-Vice President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Sharing with AMECEA online Wednesday on October 26, about the situation of Ethiopia, Bishop Markos Ghebremedhin the Apostolic Vicar of Jima Bonga Vicariate appreciated the move of having the peace talks noting that it is a significant step for the country.
“For the last two years we have been under unpleasant and heartbreaking situations. People have lost their lives, property and many have been displaced. We are hopeful of this peace talk progress after getting news that political leaders from Ethiopia went to Pretoria in South Africa to begin the first peace talks,” the Prelate said and continued, “We pray and hope that the outcome will be for the betterment of the entire country. This is what everybody is looking for that peace may be restored in the country so we can build our nation.”
Bishop Ghebremedhin asked for God’s intervention and for the Holy Spirit to inspire the entire mediation team “So in their discussion, they may come up with good resolutions for peace restoration, the peace that God wants.”
On his Sunday, October 30, Message during Angelus, Pope Francis urged the concerned parties in Ethiopia to “put an end to the suffering of the defenseless population and to find equitable solutions for lasting peace throughout the country.”
“I follow the persistent situation of conflict in Ethiopia with trepidation. Once again, I repeat with heartfelt concern that violence does not resolve discord but only increases the tragic consequences,” reads part of the message on World Mission Sunday.
“May the efforts of the parties for dialogue and the search for the common good lead to a genuine path of reconciliation. May our prayers, our solidarity and the necessary humanitarian aid not fail our Ethiopian brothers and sisters, who are so sorely tried,” the Pope prays.
